Even though fall is fast approaching, there’s still plenty of time to grow some delicious autumn veggies. Whether you’ve got a garden plot in your backyard or just a couple of planters on your balcony, we’ll show some tasty options for keeping fresh produce on your table.
Since Canada has so many growing zones, it’s important to know the average date of the first frost in your area. Many vegetables thrive in colder weather, and the cooler temps can even enhance their flavours. Others, while they grow just fine in cold weather, don’t handle frost very well, so you have to keep on top of the forecast as the days get colder. Here are our picks for the best vegetables to plant in August and September.
Carrots
Carrots are an excellent choice for your winter harvest. Plant the seeds about 5 mm deep in moist soil in an area with lots of sun. Expect the carrots to take two to three weeks to germinate. Make sure you thin them out so they don’t compete for nutrients as they grow. Ensure there is constant moisture until they’re ready to harvest. If the climate in your area is warm enough, you can grow carrots year-round.
Related: The Easiest Vegetables to Grow in Each Canadian Province
Broccoli
To grow broccoli in August and September, pick a variety that matures quickly. Both De Cicco and Green Goliath mature in around 50 to 60 days. You should start seeds early in the summer to ensure maturity before the first frost. Broccoli is well suited for southwestern BC. Protect the plants from pests and provide enough water and nutrients to help your broccoli mature as the days get colder.
Related: Container Gardening Guide: How to Grow Like a Pro
Spinach
Spinach is another great late-summer/fall crop as it thrives in cooler temperatures and can handle light frosts. Plant about six to eight weeks before the first expected frost and cover in case of a cold snap. Spinach will keep on growing unless you get a hard freeze.
Cauliflower
To grow cauliflower for a fall harvest, start the seeds indoors about 10 to 12 weeks before the first expected frost. Transplant outdoors in September or when temperatures are still above 10°C. Make sure to cover the plants if frost is in the forecast and a week or so before the first expected frost.
Related: 10 Basic Gardening Tips Every Beginner Should Know
Bok Choy
Like Spinach, bok choy is a cold-tolerant and versatile veggie that matures quickly. Plant about six to eight weeks before the first expected frost in your area. Bok choy thrives between 12°C and 24°C and can tolerate light frost.
Kale
Kale is also cold weather-tolerant and can handle frost as the cool temperatures enhance its flavour. Plant about six to eight weeks before the first expected frost date in your part of Canada. Plant in well-draining soil with about 30 to 45 cm between plants to ensure an excellent growing environment.
Beets
Plant beets 10 to 12 weeks before the first expected frost. Beets take about 50 to 60 days to mature, and the cold weather boosts their flavour and improves their texture. Beets grow best in a well-drained location with rich soil and lots of sun.
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Turnips
Turnips thrive in cooler temperatures and are a great addition to any fall harvest. Plant seeds about one to two cm deep and about 10 to 15 cm apart in well-draining soil for optimal growth. Turnips can handle light frosts, and the cool weather improves their flavour.
Swiss Chard
You can plant Swiss chard around 50 days before the first frost. While rapidly growing Swiss chard can withstand light frosts, it should mature before freezing temperatures. The cold weather can help enhance its flavour too. Make sure the soil is well drained, and add some mulch to regulate the soil’s temperature and keep it moist.
Radishes
Sowing your radish seeds about four to six weeks before the first expected frost will ensure they have enough time to mature. Depending on the variety, that can take as little as 20 days. Look for seeds that are on the shorter end of the spectrum. Radishes love cool weather and can handle light frosts, but they should be harvested before freezing weather. They’re an excellent choice for growing in planters on a balcony or small patio.
Related: Here’s How to Plan the Best Layout for a Vegetable Garden
Lettuce
Just because summer is winding down, it doesn’t mean that you’ll have to give up your fresh greens. Lettuce is a great addition to your late autumn harvest. Buttercrunch and oakleaf are two varieties that thrive in cooler temperatures. Plant six to eight weeks before the first frost. Some varieties can tolerate light frost, and you can extend the growing season with a cold frame or a greenhouse.
Even though autumn is on the horizon, it doesn’t mean Canadian gardeners need to hang up their tools for the winter. Planting these veggies in August and September means you’ll have a fall harvest of fresh and healthy produce well into the colder months.
